The international break, it's over. The inevitable English defeat at the hands of Germany B, Croatia qualifying for the World Cup with a narrow victory over the smallest team left in the running. Doing things ‘the English way’ - the hard way, the hard-hitting news that Zlatan will not be at the World Cup.

At the top, well it’s about as interesting as it gets, and this weekend’s fixtures ensure that (barring a collection of 0-0 draws) there will be a big shake-up in the top eight.

The mere fact that we’re talking about a top eight, almost a third of the way into the season, is testament to what a bizarre competition this has been so far. It’s straightening out though, slowly.

Samir Nasri alluded to Sunderland’s victory over Manchester City as being a case of parking the bus, but this does a disservice to the efficiency of Gus Poyet’s team at the back. You have to have quality to nullify the service of a player like Jesus Navas , and Sunderland could yet make things interesting at the foot of the table.

So with a bit of movement on the cards this weekend, here's what to look out for: